Sunday, May 19, 2013
The Coming of the Spirit
Dear Friends,
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2:1-13):
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” They were all astounded and bewildered, and said to one another, “What does this mean?” But others said, scoffing, “They have had too much new wine.”
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Today is the great Feast of Pentecost and it took place fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It was at Pentecost that God the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles and all those in the upper room. This is the day that the Church began and about 3,000 people were baptized that day.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord, the Son of God, given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Rejoice, rejoice, My son Melvin and all My sons and daughters on this great Feast of Pentecost, the day of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. I had to return to the Father in heaven so that the Father and I could send down the Holy Spirit upon the world. He came with a great sign and filled them all and all began to speak in different languages. Many people gathered outside and Peter went out to speak to them and to call them to repent of their sins and to receive baptism. With the baptism of many people My Church began with the Apostles in charge.
“My dear friends I want you to celebrate this great feast today and call upon the Holy Spirit to come upon you. Open your heart to receive the graces and gifts that He wants to give you. He is the great sanctifier and you need His help. May He reside in your heart always. I bless you all.”
Father Melvin
P.S. I wish you all a joyful Feast of Pentecost.